Great coffee, amazing food, wonderful staff... the perfect experience!

London has great green spaces. There are large royal parks and small public gardens, hidden allotments and roof terraces. Each one has its own identity and characteristics and everyone has their favourite. In summer they become extensions of people homes, you see girls sunbathing from 9 am and the endless picnics mean you can eat 3 meals a day in the park. My favourites - St James Piccadilly Gardens, Hyde Park, Barbican Conservatory.

It's a members-only library but you might be granted access with a research request. The writer's room is great but there's a few special, hidden corners among the bookshelves to tuck yourself away in.

One of the main sources of inspiration for my work are unusual objects, vintage toys and tools. A great place to find them is this genuine car boot sale, which is clear of 'bargain' toilet paper and questionable cosmetics. Another plus are the comparatively sociable opening hours. (it starts at noon… )

This is a very quiet Polish Club, which acts in sharp contrast with busy Exhibition Road.